By Tara Prescott
Amaroo Wildlife Shelter and Maple Gardens Animal Sanctuary are thrilled to announce the return of their fundraiser event, ‘Afternoon Tea for the Animals,’ for a second year.
“We were thrilled that the event we ran last year to raise awareness and funds for the animals was so popular. I’m looking forward to again bringing
people together in a compassionate and community driven way,” said event organiser Laura O’Neill.
“I’d love to thank everyone for their contributions, whether it’s for musical talents, in kind donations, or their practical support on the day.”
It has been another busy year at Maple Gardens Animal Sanctuary with Leah Folloni at the helm.
“We are currently raising lots of baby native ducks again, providing the constant task of feeding and cleaning enclosures up to six times
daily,” she said.
“Bobby, our Jersey steer, had to recently receive a lot of treatment for a leg wound. He’s healed and reunited with our other four cows, who are like family and follow us everywhere asking for food, they live happily with the sheep, goats, alpacas and the resident dogs – there are constantly
ducks, chickens and roosters around our feet looking for food as well,” she said.
It is always all hands on deck at Amaroo Wildlife Shelter, with Nicola Rae focusing this year on mentoring, training and support initiatives for the
shelter’s foster carers.
“I am trying to take a step back from being so busy with my own animals in care by taking less into the shelter this Spring. I’d like to concentrate on expanding our foster carer’s skills to handle new species each year. The main challenges we face are the lack of time and the sheer number
of animals in need,” she said.
“We really need more people to assist us in rescue and rehabilitation – in addition, any help from tree climbers would be greatly appreciated.”
Both Nicola and Leah gratefully acknowledge the strong support they have received.
“This critical fundraising provides foster carers with essential equipment such as heat mats and scales, nesting boxes, fuel vouchers and educational literature,” Nicola said.
“The sanctuary needs endless hay for the animals, including lots of chicken food, wild bird mix and duck starter,”Leah added.
Both shelter operators are delighted to be involved in ‘Afternoon tea for the Animals’ for a consecutive year.
“We are so happy to participate in the event, having experienced the warm atmosphere and exceptional food at the Selby Community House venue last year,” said Nicola.
Leah agrees saying, “I could not believe the attendance and community support we received last year, it was amazing. It was such a fun and family friendly afternoon and by the sounds of it, this year is going to be just as great.”
This year’s event at Selby will deliver a delicious afternoon tea prepared by a dedicated team of volunteers included in the ticketed price.
Entertainment and vibrant live music performance will be provided from local songstress Wolf Arrow Rain.
She will be performing a set of her original, quirky, dark folk and art rock tunes creating mystical and theatrical vibes for the event.
www.wolfarrowrain.com – The afternoon will also feature talented local singer and songwriter Richard Ross, contributing his original vintage fusion of latin jazz, blues, and acoustic folk.
‘Afternoon Tea for the Animals’ is being held on Tuesday 5 November at Selby Community House, located at Minak Reserve from 2pm to 5pm.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite at, nuptothecup2024.eventbrite.com.au/
For further information or for donations of supplies and wildlife/help enquiries contact Amaroo Wildlife Shelter on 0415 107 444, or Maple Gardens Sanctuary 0438 684 408. Email – emerald.gardens@bigpond.com
